helix linear - blog - acme screws

Helix Linear Technologies is currently celebrating its fourth year manufacturing the small diameter Power AC Acme Screw product line (lead screws under 5/8" in diameter).

Our Acme threaded rods start in long lengths that can be shipped to you as-is or cut and machined to your specifications.

When people hear the word Acme, many conjure up the image of the Acme brand products used by Wile E. Coyote. While Acme products may have had a generic connotation and produced substandard results as demonstrated in the Coyote's experience, Acme, as we know it today, is the exact opposite.

ACME THREAD FORM TERMS The Acme thread form, established over 100 years ago, replaced square thread screws, which had straight-sided flanks and were difficult to manufacture.

Acme lead screws are a desirable piece of machinery. What makes them so great? Some of the reasons are: no braking system required, anti-backlash, low maintenance, and cost effectiveness.

After you have selected the right lead screw for your application, it becomes a matter of choosing the best nut to meet the demands of your particular application.

Acme lead screws are increasingly the preferred solution for linear actuation. Lubrication for acme screws is just as important. Lubricant types fall into two categories: liquid and non-liquid. Liquid lubricants are petroleum-based mineral oils with 90% or higher base oil. Non-liquid lubricants – or, dry lubricants – are used when an oil-based lubricant is ineffective.

Acme lead screws convert rotary motion into linear motion by turning either the screw or the nut. Lead screws and nuts are highly customizable. Helix Linear offers a custom shop where engineers and manufacturers can use the largest collection of options available to build the best lead screw to fit their needs.

There are a lot of reasons why acme screws are the preferred choice when it comes to linear motion applications. The popular trapezoidal screw with a 30-degree thread angle, which works to convert rotary motion into linear motion, boasts attractive features such as quiet operation, affordability, precision and a reduction in regular maintenance compared to the alternatives.

Acme lead screws, which convert rotary into linear motion, are quickly becoming the preferred choice for design engineers among numerous motion control applications for a multitude of reasons.